Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM Specifications and Review
Brief Review
The EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM is probably the ultimate low light lens for crop sensor DSLRs. With the relatively fast f2.8 aperture and an IS system capable of up to 3 stops of stabilization the lens is handholdable in light that would require an f1.0 lens without stabilization (assuming the subject is static). The 17-55/2.8 IS is one of Canon's better lenses from an optical viewpoint with three aspheric and two UD elements being used to minimize aberrations and maximize image quality at full aperture. It also uses a circular 7 blade diaphragm to produce a smooth blurring of out of focus areas. Images are sharp out to the corners, even with the lens wide open and chromatic aberration is very well controlled.
On an crop sensor camera, image quality is probably higher than that of the EF 17-40/4L USM, though the 17-40/4L may be a little better built, has full weathersealing (with a filter) and of course it covers the full 35mm frame. The 17-40/4L is also a stop slower, doesn't have IS and has a smaller zoom range, though it is around $300 less expensive than the EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS. The EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS also clearly beats the EF-S 17-85/4-5.6 IS USM in terms of image quality (and speed), though it is about $600 more expensive. For low light and portrait work where the fast aperture is important, the EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM is probably the absolute best choice in wide to normal/short-tele zoom. If speed isn't so critical and a wider zoom range is important, the EF-S 15-85/3.5-5.6 IS USM is an alternative worth looking at.
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| Model | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM |
| Link to Current Pricing | EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM |
Production Dates  |
2006 - current |
| Comments | Very good, fast wide-to-normal zoom for APS-C crop sensor DSLRs. Not only is it fast, but it also has a very effective image stabilization system making it an ideal lens for low light shooting. Good lens for group shots and portraits, as well as general purpose and travel. |
| Format Restrictions |
APS-C (crop sensor) only |
| Field of View
(degrees) Horizontal,Vertical, Diagonal Full Frame - 36x24mm APS-C - 22.5x15mm |
APS-C Wide : H - 67 : V - 47.6 : D - 77 APS-C Tele : H - 23.1 : V - 15.5 : D - 27.6 |
| Full Frame FOV equivalent with lens on APS-C body |
27.2-88 mm (1.6x multiplier) |
| Image Stabilization |
up to 3 stops |
| Length | 111 mm (4.37 inches) |
| Weight | 645 gm (21.81 oz.) |
| Maximum Diameter | 84 mm (3.31 inches) |
| Lens Mount Material |
Metal |
| Lens Color |
Black |
| Filter Size | 77 mm |
| Filter Rotation |
Filter does not rotate |
| Internal Zooming |
No (extends on zooming) |
| Focusing |
Internal Focusing (Length constant) |
| Focus Range Setting(s) |
No, always uses full focus range |
| AF motor |
USM |
| Distance Scale | Yes, has distance scale |
| Closest Focus | 0.35 m (1.15 ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.17x |
| Canon TC compatibility |
No, Canon TCs can not be used |
| Weathersealing |
Not weathersealed |
| Lens Hood |
EW-83J |
| E-TTL II Support |
Yes |
| Elements/Groups |
19/12 |
| Aspheric Elements |
Yes, 3 aspheric elements |
| Special Glass Elements |
Yes, 2 UD elements |
| Diaphragm Blades |
7 (circular) |
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